Kaduna Police Defends Journalist's Defamation Case Handling

The Kaduna State Police Command defended its actions regarding the case of Farida Isiak, a journalist with Nagarta Radio, who faced criticism following her arrest and sentencing for an alleged defamation case. The police stated that Isiak's Facebook post included derogatory comments about the Nigeria Police Force and a specific officer, which they claimed warranted their response.

The post included statements such as, “The police force is f***ed up that’s why they don’t end well,” and referenced the officer's family. The police emphasized that the situation should not be viewed merely as an infringement on press freedom, urging that the circumstances surrounding the dispute be considered.

DSP Mansir Hassan, the command’s Public Relations Officer, noted that the Commissioner of Police had intervened to foster an amicable resolution, highlighting the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship with journalists. The police expressed concern over reports that condemned them without proper verification and urged media practitioners to ensure accuracy and fairness in their reporting.